Stony Brook 17

This theater is listed as being part of the Loews chain.

Yes, I believe it is Loews. It opened as a "Sony" Theater originally.

Loews totally gave up on the Smithtown Mall Theatres when they opened this.

With good reason probably. When it first opened, it seemed very state of the art. It was one of the first more "modern" multiplexes, and was and is still very well maintained. Although now it seems a "step behind" when you compare it to the more "de Lux" theaters that Nation Amusements is openeing up like the Holtsville Island 16.
It's still a very nice place to see a movie though. Very clean, and quite comfortable. The auditoriums are quite nice, and much less sterile than some of the 1980's and early 1990's multiplexes.

I like this theatre and attend it quite frequently when I visit friends in Nesconset. I liked the Smithtown Mall alot though, the auditoriums had curtains, which I think all theatres even in a plex should have.

I agree with you Robert. They do have attractive "curtain" walls in this one I think, and even "sconces" on the walls, so it's almost like old time theaters, except, no more screen curtains.
I think the Zeigfeld in Manhattan still does that, and I think the late Trylon did too, but not many left still have curtains.
I think some theaters like the Ridgewood used to have two sets of curtains, a thick one, and a thin one.

Yes the Ridgewood did and also the Madison. I believe they were called trailer curtains.

You are correct. While I don't remember it in the Madison (I was too young) I do remember it in the Ridgewood. They were probably called trailer curtain because the thin ones went back and forth before and after the trailers.

This should be updated to Loews Theatres for chain, and First Run Movies for function.

I worked at this theatre from 2001-2003, the actual Theatre count is 17 now since there was always plans for 17, but Loews could not get the Town to approve the extra theatres. Finally in late 2002, there were 2 very small theatres added to the count, they are located on the right wing of the theatre at the end of the wing.

In this 1975 ad it shows a Loews Stony Brook 2, I don't find this theatre on CT?
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a13/ChmnofBrd/Movie%20Ads/Abduction.jpg

Does anyone know where that theater Robert mentions was? Robert, perhaps you will add it?

Before the megaplex was built, Loews operated a triplex in the same shopping center. I believe it had always been a triplex so my guess is the #2 was referring to the actual theatre in the complex. I will add the listing for this theatre.

Chain should be AMC Theatres. Phone: 631.941.0124

It used to be a Loews I believe.

This theatre was constructed and opened for operation as a Loews Theatre on December 23rd, 1998. This theatre did originally open as a 15 screen theatre. Shortly after National Amusements opened their Holstville location (Island 16 De Lux) Loews decided to add seats to 2 auditoriums that were already built during original construction. This upgrade (renovation) ensured Loews operated the largest theatre (screens)in Suffolk County. Which is still the case today. This building is currently owned and operated by AMC Theatres following AMC's merger with Loews which took place in January 2006. If anyone has questions about this building please ask in post, I worked in this building for it's first 10 years in operation.

Next year it will house an IMAX screen.

Did they cut two of their theaters in half to go from 15 to 17?

No they didn't change any existing auditoriums. The building was originally constructed with 17 auditoriums 2 of which were never furnished. They were used for dry storage such as maintenance items. They then added seats to these 2 "rooms" changing the theatre to a 17plex.

Thanks for the information.